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Shannon Sasamoto is 2019 Miss Marianas
From left, 2015 Miss Marianas Jian Joyner, 2019 Miss Marianas Shanon Sasamoto, 2018 Miss Marianas Celine Cabrera, and 2016 Miss Marianas Peachy Quitugua pose for a photo after Sasamoto’s coronation during the 2019 Miss Marianas pageant last Saturday at the Fiesta Resort & Spa’s Hibiscus Hall. (Marc Venus)
Shannon Tudela Sasamoto was crowned the 2019 Miss Marianas at the pageant last Saturday night at the Fiesta Resort & Spa’s Hibiscus Hall.
Celine Cabrera, the 2018 Miss Marianas, handed over her tiara to the new queen, Sasamoto, who went head-to-head with five other young women for the crown.
Sasamoto is a 19-year-old student at the Northern Marianas College, and she is currently pursuing a degree in Business Management. She also spends time as a volunteer at Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School.
Sasamoto, as Miss Marianas, plans to be a big part of the community and raise awareness of the environment. She also intends to hold seminars in elementary schools in hopes of the culture of the CNMI can better the environment.
She noted that the most challenging part of her journey to being Miss Marianas is her mindset, as she tends to be “very hard on herself” and she thanks her pageant sisters for helping her overcome this challenge.
Sasamoto’s role model is her mother and her motto is: “To take risks; the only ones that fail are those that never try.”
She won $1,000 for her Miss Marianas win and a free use of a 2019 Hyundai Kona for one year, courtesy of Triple J Motors.
“I am ready for whatever comes to me,” Sasamoto added.
Sasamoto was also awarded the Best in Swimwear for her poise, presentation, figure, and physical fitness.
Coming in as first runner-up was Sharon Palacios. Palacios was also awarded a cash prize of $800, the Marianas Gem “People’s Choice” award, and Miss Photogenic by the media.
Completing the top three was Riane Capalad, who received a cash prize of $400, the Tresemme Best Hair Award, and the Miss Friendship Award.
Dierra Palacios was awarded the prestigious Stellar Star Award, Best in National Costume, and Best in Evening Wear awards.
The remaining 2019 Miss Marianas contestants who competed for the tiara were Junalyn Billedo and Merly-Ann Fernandez.
